Effect of test methodology on seed germination using filter paper and soil as substrates

IRG/WP 94-50029

L Jin, A F Preston

Tomato, cucumber and grass seeds were used to examine the influence ot two wood preservatives, chromated copper arsenate (CCA type C) and ammoniacal copper quat (ACQ tvpe B) in seed germination studies. Two methodologies, using contaminated filter paper and contaminated soil as substrates, were investigated to generate the comparison results. The results from these studies suggest that the test substrates provide qualitatively similar results. However, the data shows that using soil as substrate may underestimate the true effect of the preservatives on seed germination. With regard to chemical effects, CCA contamination at the tested contamination levels imparted some detrimental effects on the seed germination rates as well as on subsequent seedling growth. In contrast, ACQ had a negative effect only at high contamination levels, while at low levels growth stimulation was observed in some instances. The study also demonstrated that the plant species tested in this study may have a significant tolerance to copper, and the increase in pH and the presence of ammonia may contribute some positive effects at low levels of contamination. The detrimental effect observed with CCA contamination appears to be contributed by the arsenic and/or chromium components.


Keywords: CCA; ACQ; SEED GERMINATION

Conference: 94-05-29...06-03, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia


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